The appointment of a Minister for Hospitality was discussed today in the House of Lords, and like the debate last month in Parliament, raised not only pressing issues faced, but the profile of our industry.
The knowledge of our industry displayed must have been backed up by considerable research as the questions and points made were topical and urgent, including…
- The requirement for a roadmap for hospitality alongside diminishing restrictions and a timetable.
- The requirement for an extension of the reduced VAT rate.
- The requirement for extension of the furlough scheme.
- The requirement for a rates relief extension.
Following the session in the House of Lords we spoke with creator of the petition for a Minister for Hospitality, Claire Bosi.
“The continuing feedback from HM Government is that they feel the hospitality industry is represented sufficiently already. This is because responsibility is split between DCMS and BEIS. As a sector, we know that the representation we currently receive is far from enough, by directing hotels and events in one direction, and bars and restaurants in another, the resulting effect is one of dilution.
“The conversation will be continuing. I still feel that the overwhelming need for the appointment has yet to be relayed to the Prime Minister in person. While MPs and Lords have raised fundamental issues that affect the industry now – this is not the reason behind the request. The core reason for this appointment, the one where it becomes vital and fruitful for the future of the UK hospitality scene and government, has not fully been heard. It has been clouded with the urgent assistance the industry is fighting for now.
“UKHospitality are doing a fabulous job of engaging with senior Ministers about the immediate solutions needed for the sector. As an industry, we need to continue to engage with MPs, Lords and, critically, the PM to explain that the appointment of a Minister for Hospitality is about the future. How, with one senior voice in Government, we can continue to keep our status as one of the finest providers of hospitality in the world.
“No Prime Minister has ever delivered this appointment to his or her government on behalf of our sector. Previous PMs, previous governments have failed to recognise the social and economic contributions we make to the UK.
“But this is not about the past. This is about the future.
“I still remain confident that Boris Johnson, upon hearing all the evidence as to why he can be a trail blazer by giving us this representation, will give serious consideration to the request”
We also spoke with Harry Murray MBE, a long standing champion of the need for the appointment of a Minister for Hospitality, who was eloquent and to the point telling us: “The Minister for Hospitality debates that have now taken place in both parliamentary Houses demonstrate a growing recognition across party lines of the importance of our industry to the UK economy. The petition has not only raised the need of the appointment sought, but of our industry’s standing.”
Today’s session in the House of Lords can be watched in full through the video below. If you are passionate about hospitality we would suggest it will be ten minutes well spent.
Looking forward to The Clink Charity Golf Day 2021 at The Belfry
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Hospitality & Catering News: House of Lords Hospitality – 3 February 2021 – House of Lords Hospitality.
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